It was nice to see the Sox come back from a 4-0 deficit to tie the score against the Skanks in the 9th inning last night–what wasn’t so nice is that Joe Girardi watched a Sox reliever start warming up for the 10th inning, and THEN letting the umpires know that they were no longer playing, and heading home…

I agree with Bobby Valentine’s thoughts on the matter: “It was regretful that Mortensen warmed up, though, and then we were told they weren’t going to play extra innings. I don’t think that was very courteous… Usually you go over and say, ‘Hey, I don’t have any more (pitchers). I don’t know. I haven’t been around in a long time. Joe knows better than I. I guess you just walk off the field. “I’m sure (Girardi) didn’t do anything deliberate. It’s just I have to answer a pitcher who’s trying to make the team…”

Get used to it Bobby…

Terry Francona returned to the Sox yesterday, his first time as a member of the media, covering the Sox/Skanks contest last night. I cannot even imagine the mixed emotions he had being there. But, Tito being Tito, he handled it with all the grace and class we have come to expect from probably the best manager the Sox ever had. Some highlights; when asked about managing again: “My passion is being on the field. But I think it would be really healthy for me to step back and look at things without so much emotion. I was pretty worn down by the end of last year. … If it ever comes about and it makes sense, I would certainly [consider it.] But it has to make sense. I don’t want to just manage for the sake of managing.”

About being honored at Fenway: “I’m not quite ready for the hugs yet,” he said. “I’m still trying to stop the bleeding.” Holy buckets! How heart wrenching is that???

I know Jose Inglesias has a magnificent glove, and is the heir apparent for the position of shortstop for the Boston Red Sox. And I know he is improving at the plate in terms of discipline and the like (although he is currently batting .200), but he is only 22 years old (maybe–he IS from Cuba after all), and I think he more time in the minors to work on his offense. When this season opens, the Sox needs to be VERY STRONG out of the gate–and they already have fairly light hitting catchers, so I think the team would be better served starting the season with Mike Aviles, and give the kid time…

Do players really think that the fans care that their mechanics were the best they have ever been, or that they were feeling strong and healthy–when the result is not reflective of that. Jon Lester, who gave up 4 runs on 8 hits (including a homer) in 3 innings or work. He struck out 2 and walked 1…

Don’t get me wrong, I am glad they feel good, but when they feel good and get lit up (John Lackey comes to mind here more often than not–have I mentioned how HAPPY I am he won’t pitch this year??) it rings a bit hollow…

Andrew Miller has been eliminated from the starter sweepstakes, as he felt his hamstring pop during his last outing. And, apparently it’s contagious, as Padilla also has a strained hamstring, which removes him from contention as well.

That leaves, Aaron Cook, who is all but out of it, because he work was delayed due to injury, so he won’t be stretched out in time. So that leaves Doubront, Aceves, and Daniel Bard…

Speaking of, what is going on with Daniel Bard? He started the spring pretty well, and recently he has been sucking–out loud. He has thrown just under 13 innings in camp, and the first 5 were scoreless, but the last 7 2/3? 7 walks, 9 hits, and 10 runs, with an over 7.11 ERA…And Bobby Valentine is not super happy about things, specifically the fact that out of the 83 pitches he threw in his last outing , ONE was a changeup…ONE…Could he really be done as a starter, and back to the bullpen?

Finally, on Monday, March 26th, PBS is airing a one-hour special: “Inside Fenway Park: An Icon at 100.” The National Geographic special will feature interviews with columnist Mike Barnicle, author Glenn Stout, commentator Dick Flavin, and ESPN Senior Writer, Howard Bryant, along with archival footage and photos.

Narrated by lifelong Sox fan Matt Damon, the documentary uses a 2011 Red Sox Yankees game as the basis for telling the story of Fenway Park’s history through the years and also takes a behind the scenes look at the operational side of the ballpark.

Can’t watch it on Monday? There will be a 2nd showing on Tuesday at 8:00pm. For more info, you can go here…

Coming up: After losing for the 4th time in 5 games today, this time by a score of 6-5 to the freakin Oreos, the Sox have their final splits squad doubleheader tomorrow. The home game is against the Phillies (without Jonathan Papelbon), the away game is in Miami against the Marlins…Aceves gets the start at home, while Felix Doubront will pitch again the Marlins…1st pitch for both games is 1:05pm..

One Response to “Red Sox 4, Skanks 4: COULD Have Been a Win…”

It must have been really bad in the Red Sox clubhouse last year for Tito to feel the way he feels. He’s said some unsavory things about some of the players too. Really sorry to see that. But I think he’ll be honored at Fenway soon enough.